Statement of the President of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Boris Tadic on unilateral declaration of independence made by the provisional institutions of self-government in Kosovo and Metohija,

17 February 2008

Serbian President Boris Tadic stated today that Serbia will make responsible moves and will do everything in its power to annul the self-willing and illegal declaration of Kosovo's independence that Serbia will never recognise.

Serbia will never recognise Kosovo-Metohija's independence. Serbia has reacted and will react with all peaceful, diplomatic and legal means for this act of interim Kosovo institutions to be annulled. Serbia requests from international institutions in Kosovo to immediately declare this act null and void, as it is against basic principles of international law, the President said.

Tadic pointed out that people’s lives and their safety are most important at this moment and urged KFOR and UNMIK to provide safety for Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo, to protect their homes and all our sacred places. The President stressed that responsibility for every life in Kosovo-Metohija lies on them.

He noted that Serbia will take this situation peacefully, with dignity and in a civilised manner.

Serbia will not use violence and that is the only approach that can allow us to continue our legitimate fight for preservation of the country’s integrity, and Serbia will be persistent in this diplomatic battle, defending its interests and international law no matter how much it takes and until the illegitimate act on independence is fully out of effect, the President concluded.